Best Unflagging Poems
Mute
but immutable.
Unmoving, unmoveable;
timeless, yet tireless.
Solitary stalwart sentinel
surveils undulating horizon.
Aberrant, achromatic clouds
pock-mark the skies, as distant
rumblings herald his adversary's
latest gambit in their age-old conflict.
The wrath of a thousand crashing,
clashing, thrashing fists batter
against the beleaguered sentry.
Ceaselessly, remorselessly,
the maelstrom assails him.
But the foundations are firm and
noble gatekeeper stands steadfast.
Single-minded of purpose, placid
custodian morphs into combatant as
his luminous, voluminous blade carves
luminescent arcs through chthonic cloak.
Tenebrous tendrils wither and dissipate,
impotent under intense lambent onslaught.
His victory is only fleeting, as vanquished
foes are summarily supplanted by more of
their ilk in a seemingly continual surge.
Again and again, over and over, tormentor
presses the attack, exploiting any weakness.
Over and over, again and again, valiant warden
repels the barrage and despatches his enemies.
And so the pattern repeats endlessly, unabated,
as these eternal opponents jostle for position
in a perpetual cycle of aggression and defence.
Until eventually, finally, ultimately, the stale-mate
is broken; when Tempest's tantrum is tamed and
Blizzard's battalions have been banished, all is calm.
Tranquillity is able to reassert herself and order has
finally been restored; at least for the foreseeable future.
Obligations fulfilled, the triumphant Guardian can now rest.
Until the need arises again, until he's called upon once more,
he will wait patiently, watch diligently, in unflagging vigilance.
Forever resolute, a beacon of sanctuary, a symbol of hope, his is a
thankless task, but the Protector of Mariners will always be needed.
-----------------------------------
(C) John C Michaels, 27 July 2017
For Eve Roper's "Lighthouse" Contest.
(1st Place)
Categories:
unflagging, light, metaphor, ocean, sea,
Form:
Free verse
Once Upon a Time (Templates)
Once upon a time
a lonely girl neglected
worked among the cinders,
then with a pumpkin changed
and danced all night, the beauty of the ball.
A beast became a prince.
A fair one, raven-haired,
bit into an apple,
then lay inside a coffin
to waken later with a single kiss.
Plots of sugar spun
meant for our amusement
were taken as didactic;
as visions of a bliss;
for some, like me, as templates for romance.
A frog is still a frog.
A girl who is mistreated
might end up on the streets.
Transformed into a junkie,
she turns into a hooker for her john.
A beast remains a beast.
A girl might pose as blonde
and taste of life’s enticements;
then settle on one lover,
to languorously waken to her dawns.
Modern human tales
scatter my illusions.
As skin neath eyes start sagging,
can hope remain unflagging
as time so quickly leaves us all undone?
Feb. 2, 2017
Sorry to take it to a darker place, Eve. That was how the theme inspired me
Categories:
unflagging, dream,
Form:
Verse
"Serene is the green of the sculptured knotty pine, arms uniquely reach and none the same, with woody scent of heaven." Quote by poet
Knotty pine enfold in the sate gold sun
stands stunning in an arboreal view.
Bound by forever changing blend pale blue
pure air of homespun charm, unflagging none.
Upon the pine needle and pine-cones
carpet, dappled shade awakes most active
nature, from blackest more lord attractive
noble to the whitest of daylight tones.
Rhythmic chants echo veiled in sound and light.
Steps over roots and limbs nature does put
and silent subtle shifts that are afoot.
The howl's that calls of invite at twilight.
Yielding nostalgic sylvan scenery
natural quotient colour greenery.
Categories:
unflagging, nature,
Form:
Sonnet
We are all so young,,, even the ‘old hands’
Imagining a time with no bull rope is hard to plan
It’s riding with a heart and unflagging spirit revealed
That’s a most fitting description of what’s usually concealed
The dream most have had since they were born
About riding horses, bulls, and such without scorn
It’s about the ride, that 8 seconds of time
That lead you and the bull to a place uniquely sublime
Riding bulls or whatever, it really don’t matter
As long as your heart, your family, and your thoughts aren’t scattered
Whether it’s the big show or not, you really don’t mind
You’d ride a milk cow if she’d fly out the gate, so inclined.
So even if you ride for the money, or the fame
No matter what you draw, you look for no blame
Because even though bones, and tendons are often broken
And if you’re deemed old because your thirty something year is now unspoken
It’s really the heart that prevails when the body can’t follow
And provides that last 8 seconds, that make you feel less hollow
And,,, when someday your heart and mind don’t yearn for the ride,
It’s time to reflect and possibly stand off to the side.
Life doesn’t end for there’s still plenty to do
There is always a new bull rider that wants to be you
They may need a hand, and inspiration or two
And a true bull rider’s heart is to return the gift given you.
Categories:
unflagging, cowboy-westernheart, heart, time,
Form:
Couplet
Sneaking A President On Presidents Day
Sneaking President Biden to Kyiv without anyone noticing, sounds like something out of a movie. It really happened. He arrived in Kyiv on a surprise visit, signaling 'unflagging commitment' to Ukraine.
The United States signals its ongoing support ahead of the anniversary of Russia's invasion. This is the first time in modern history that a U.S. leader visited a warzone outside the aegis of the U.S. military — a feat the White House said carried some risk even though Moscow was given a heads-up.
Over the next five hours, the president made multiple stops around town — ferried about in a black SUV rather than the presidential limousine — without any announcement to the Ukrainian public that he was there. But all that activity attracted enough attention that word of his presence leaked out well before he could get back to Poland, which was the original plan. Aides at the White House were surprised the secret held as long as it did.
Meanwhile, in Kyiv, many main streets and central blocks were cordoned off without explanation. People started sharing videos of long motorcades of cars speeding along streets where access was restricted — the first clues that Biden had arrived.
President Biden Just Destroyed Putin’s Last Hope
Other heads of government preceded him, earning deserved credit. It is an altogether different thing when the president of the United States—who is, indeed, the leader of the Free World—shows up. His words mattered. He pledged “our unwavering and unflagging commitment to Ukraine’s democracy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” And even more important, that the United States will stand with Ukraine “as long as it takes.” Democracy, a beautiful word, from a beautiful President. We thank you for your statement of defiance.
Simply by taking the hazardous trip to Kyiv, Biden made a strategic move of cardinal importance. (He took a train for ten hours from Poland).
The End
Fun Fact
Jimmy Carter may have saved a nuclear plant from melting in Canada! Longest lived President 98, sadly, the former President chose to enter hospice care instead of more medical help. Taught Sunday school for decades! He absorbed the maximum amount of radiation a human can take.
Categories:
unflagging, presidents day,
Form:
Free verse
Connoissuering Love
A toast to love! Celebrating four decades of togetherness
I raised the crystal glass of plum wine sparkling with love
Swirling the wine years of unflagging unity of two souls
I blushed in retrospect over years of pride of brewing it
In every nook and corner of the cellars in our hearts
The ethereal blood of gods gently poured into our every pore
Releasing the trapped essence of heavenly love
I held the wine to my berry lips and inhaled
The petrichor of romance one drop at a time
Its fragrance igniting every cell to linger on
Sip by sip scrooping every moment of bantering
The honeyed and the ivied to the perfumery of divine love.
October 15, 2015
Contest: Screwed 7
Sponsor: Rob Carmack
Categories:
unflagging, love, together, wine,
Form:
Romanticism
Grandfather
We looked to him dauntless awe-inspiring
Filled with childhood memorable stories
And wisdom surpassing worth of knowing
Inheritance of the past and glories
Of many unflagging strength and caring
Everlasting virtues are fulfilling
1/26/2017
Categories:
unflagging, grandfather, growing up, integrity,
Form:
Verse
over occupied world
bewildering hodge-podge of people
pushing stress where it ought not to be
in the slim rays of late day
in the splattered mess of guttered streets
a homeless man asks for a light
for a half burnt cigarette
then money for food
nerve knotted living squeezed between soiled fingers
his fingers
most shove by him like gnats late for breeding
people in pinup poses
keep silent midst foul displacement
shun soiled annoyance like shoddy prospects
does a story untold, matter?
does all humanity deserve recognition?
maybe things just fall apart all on their own
maybe once there was a time when lushness oozed like honey
from a jar
homeless man seeks a light
unflagging energy to be seen
girdled by grit
a real mission
not to wipe away self like crumbs from a plate
sometimes we move in gray clouds
a pretense, unseeing squalor
as vagabond pleas jar at comfort
our aligned security by uttering "No"
such feel good factors
defending synthetic spheres
that peer at screens
as light loses traction
Poem composed April 12, 2023
Categories:
unflagging, care, city, light, poverty,
Form:
Free verse
busy bumblebee
budging the baby blossoms ...
bathed in yellow dust
high pitched buzzing blows
unflagging brilliant blond wings ...
grand banjour to spring
PLACE : 4 th
Spring Flower, Bird or Butterfly Haiku x 2 Poetry Contest
Haiku poetry form only.
Sponsored by: Tania Kitchin
Date: 15-02-2023
Categories:
unflagging, spring,
Form:
Haiku
Destiny is everyone's curse
Diverting every creature to verge of hope
Enveloping every desire,
Without sign of tomorrow's truth
Destiny is a curse
Riding along the sun and the stars,
With dreams and wishes in the midst,
To drive creature's determinations,
While installing sense of belief in their path
Destiny is everyone's curse
Leading the course of time,
Putting faith on the scale
As creatures try to press right buttons
Destiny is a curse
Cutting through centre of the earth,
Invoking different signals
That induce creatures to act distinctively
Destiny could be the turning point
Reinforcing your unflagging energy,
To sign in the register of inspired creatures,
Realise your calling,
And begin new journey meaningfully
Categories:
unflagging, destiny, philosophy, spiritual,
Form:
Lyric
Awareness about behavior,
present since mine days of yore
an unswerving allie analogous
to peacekeeper ending civil war
belated insight suddenly realized
(better late than never) doth underscore
incumbent proactive communication stance
belatedly bestowed omnipotent awareness
crucial fostering ingredient to shore
maternal bond above
bejesus ear splitting roar
I admit regret (to self), there
dost belie suppressed yen to pour
out sorrows 'twixt this sole him son,
and long deceased mother, he
deprived her his love and outwore
the Scottish tartan Harris tweed
welcome (haz) mat, which pained
materialized soon after her death, nor
can compensation be made,
now ex post facto,
when futility of spilt tears got more
gauged and swept away, when
nary a trace I privately cried
amidst lachrymose lakeshore.
20/20 hindsight brought me unflagging mast
into stark painful focus,
essentially how mine
formative behavior wrought avast
dystopian emotional fractured mindscape,
which non positive coping methods
lit fuse kindling devastating catastrophic blast
from yesteryear to present silent woebegone
desolate gloomy terrain past
grandeur eclipsed by present gloom
finds yours truly stranded like cast
away bleached flotsam upon coast
amidst tempestuous rocky shoals
clinging for dear life with grasp fast,
Where tenuous, precarious,
and ludicrous ship
of state can no longer maintain
even a marginal grip
but with slight equip
age willing, wedding,
and wanting brings relief from whip
lashed incurred (within body) showing rip
pulled scarred taut welts testimony, sans
long electrified with aggravation,
excruciation, and intoleration can easily flip
a figurative switch in summary
ushering final lip
service to charade,
facade, and masquerade
at lightspeed didst clip
this...Potemkin Village,
where everything "FAKE,"
asper envisioning flickr
ring mirage recounting ancient Egypt!
Categories:
unflagging, angst, confusion, fear, friendship
Form:
Bio
Crumbly candles are so stormy,
so ferocious, and so wounding.
The catastrophic , lilliputian fire
is fed with the silent raven.
A weary, yearning butterfly
is embellished with an unwavering,
undying forbearance.
And a ruined sunset bows
to impregnable ,serene
forests.
A glimmer of hope frequently
ignites a source of an unselfish
peony.
A symphony of whispers
cuts to pieces an enduring
hyacinth.
Shards of the sun may cause
unwelcome Erinyes.
Weaving the past failures into
a rapturous, flowery rill may
stare at a lasting bluebird.
Sometimes the shimmer of grace
waters an enthusiastic
mood.
And drops of tears like
bloody brooks
occasionally pour into
a pure, celestial bliss.
Ephemeral, harsh words
like feathery zephyrs
engulf a heterogeneous
daybreak.
Unflagging whispers from the depths
of a wounded sunshine
embrace the everlasting rose.
In the secret chambers of the heart
will bloom unyielding truth
like an endless Spring.
Categories:
unflagging, beauty, butterfly, devotion,
Form:
Free verse
In parliaments of war and glory
You moved in ways marking life's truth,
To seal a vow of destined mission
Guiding your path…a brazen, uplifting voice
Sparked by this incessant passion which ignited
A nation besieged by roars of combat.
For you came providently into a world
Ripped by shadows of battleground's unrest;
As the taste for liberty against a Fuehrer's tyranny
Sought brave callings to round the fire,
To wrestle, capture, and break this nemesis…until
A gathering of storm strode along
Barriers of Dunkirk's dilemma, unity among
Friendly nations, and decades of unequaled integrity--
Oh, such ultimate victory hailing mankind's spirit !
In modern times' need for a righteous governance,
Society whispers your name... another comeback, yet
After long moons of patriotism, of unflagging devotion,
Heaven’s stars called your name…
Finally, resting among divine kings.
Tribute Verse Contest of Brian Strand
Categories:
unflagging, courage, integrity, patriotic,
Form:
Free verse
Friends are medicine for a wounded heart, and vitamins for a hopeful soul. -By Steve Maraboli
Awe-inspiring gracious waves shine and glow,
While wondrous egos glare in divine allusion,
Stout wings of ethical drive and bathetic flow,
Despite two dear souls on the dual lexicon.
Affinity will acquire strength by connection,
What opulence to recognize when we grow,
Where all bands together instead of division,
Awe-inspiring gracious waves shine and glow.
An iconic dear friend might carry a picadillo,
As yet, he could be utterly adept at actuation,
Eagerly heed a loyal pal as well as the vile blow,
While wondrous egos glare in divine allusion.
Utterly friends were missing due to abrasion,
A day of willingly sharing and harmony show,
Confidence in contact, fastidious with passion,
Stout wings of ethical drive and bathetic flow.
Distinct voes seem cordial and could endow,
Fidelity and supple ease are a few of passion,
As dear fellows developed grasp, I recall how,
Despite two dear souls on the dual lexicon.
That's kind of what pure friends richly bestow,
Quest mates wisely select the long companion,
Just effortlessness where unflagging reliance glow,
We shouldn't set a value on heartfelt compassion,
Brilliant waves illuminate.
Written: June 05, 2022
A RONDEAU REDOUBLE POEM Poetry Contest
Sponsored by: L MILTON HANKINS
Categories:
unflagging, analogy, appreciation, best friend,
Form:
Rondeau Redouble
glancing at thee beautiful doll female human,
an aggregate of positivity arose. That four
tut hood toward slender youthful looking chica
figuratively took my breath away. She galore
re: us lee ranked topnotch on my register
of aesthetic delight. Thus, while this jackfrosted hoar
frosted flake ambled up and down aisles,
an aim sought to relay pleasant physiology while Igor
Stravinsky – Flight of the Bumblebee buzz
within every square inch of my anatomy bon jour
quivered with cockiness, covetousness,
and craveness without resorting to Dumble Da lore
for guidance, hence indecorous, impetuous,
or idolatrousness loosed rampant as more
consideration asper jimmying bold, daring do
hounded (Lo and Behold) luck did not ig nor.
A nod in answer to prayer ready set terrific
wonderful chance arose pondering how to mine ore
and coax a major outcome addressing this ambition,
which unceasingly pecked, piqued, dirt poor
piss lee pricked thy noggin about sudden revelation
presence pretty lady Upon quor
tar number of minutes passed,
whereat her increasing proximity, an unflagging score
begging akin to patriotic duty and appeasement
sans uttering a compliment recognized roar
ring optimal (once in a solar eclipse) chance
to corral, field, and invoke latent obligation that tore
per regaling unknown xwoman a dollop gratutity.
Whether embarassment ensued possibly war
temporarily shunted aside, cuz if no propensity
to risk testing cab age comfort zones of yore
if awesome stroke ignored, a disappointment
toward self would manifest irking conscience.
For the rest of eternity. So without missing
a beat (and reckoning with nary a spare off fence
guess not to turnip ma nose), a apple lick able amicus
brief pickle this complimentary gents
dare devilishly egged, finessed, gambit regarding
how gorgeous (a veritable stranger) kents
humed and appealed to me, whence squashing
regret at a costly emotional ex pence.
Categories:
unflagging, angel, angst, beautiful, beauty,
Form:
Free verse